While language provides the building blocks to communicating with your English Language Learning (ELL) parents and students, it is always a good idea to understand the cultural components at work within a larger socio-political context. Knowing that many non-English speaking immigrants and refugees come from a wide range of war-torn countries, economically devastated regions and politically tumultuous regimes, we must tailor the message, and the language translation services, to sympathize with their unique experience.
The story of Karen, a guidance counselor, perfectly illustrates how personal experience can deeply influence perception. Karen was responsible for organizing the new school year registration kick-off for her district. She chose a “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie theme for the event to keep the registration process upbeat and lively. Unfortunately, Karen didn’t consider the implications that a pirate motif would have for the Cambodian parents, many of whom had fled the Khmer Rouge as refugee “Boat People.” The images of pirates recalled traumatic memories for the Cambodian parents, which, in turn, significantly reduced their enrollment participation.
If Karen had considered a native Cambodian’s perspective, she would have been better prepared to create a welcoming environment for all of the parents. Hopefully, in the future, Karen can adapt her message, and the language translation services that follow, to her audience’s experience.
Keep Learning!
Maggie
K12Translate
Tags: Cultural Sensitivity
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